Former Nigerian International joins Widnes

Akpan, 30, began his career in Everton’s youth system at just 8 years old. He made his competitive debut for the Toffees on December 17 2009 in the UEFA Europa League against Belarussian side BATE.

In 2011, Akpan made a loan move to Hull City making 2 appearances for the Tigers. Following his loan spell, he was released from Everton and signed for Crawley Town where he made 47 appearances and scored 5 goals.

After two years at Crawley Town, Akpan moved to Premier League side Reading, setting up the winning goal after coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 victory against Newcastle United.

Following Reading’s relegation to the Championship, he scored his one and only goal for the club in a 7-1 win against Bolton. During his time at Reading, Akpan decided to represent Nigeria, being able to qualify for them through his Nigerian parents. He made his debut for the Super Eagles on October 15 2014 in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match.

In 2015, Akpan signed for Blackburn Rovers where he made 60 appearances and scored 4 goals.

After being released by Blackburn Rovers at the end of the 2016-17 season, Akpan joined Burton Albion on a one-year contract. He made 25 appearances, scoring 1 goal.

He then made a move to Bradford City in July 2018. The following year, he was made captain after replacing Paul Caddis. He left the Bantams in 2020 making 47 appearances and scoring 5 goals.

In 2021, he joined Finnish club SJK, making just 3 appearances. In January 2022, he made the move back to England as he signed for Atherton Laburnum Rovers who play in the North West Counties League Division One North.

Photo credits: Derbyshire Live